The snowbird, a 12 foot sailboat, was developed 90 years ago when a local yachtsman sought a small boat for this sons to learn sailing. Snowbird (here today) was built in 1926 and is the first snowbird ever built. It is here compliments of its owner, ExploreOcean. When plans for the design of the snowbird were made popular by G.V. Johnson nearly a century ago, the flight of the snowbirds took off. In 1936 the most popular small boat regatta at local yacht clubs was the “Flight of the Snowbirds.” At its height in 1950, close to 200 boats competed in the Flight. World-class sailors and America’s Cup skippers had their beginnings on a snowbird, the most famous of these skippers, perhaps, is Bill Ficker.
Owner: Ken Lugo
Hi,
I raced in the last Flight of the Snowbirds. Turn out was so low that they allowed Laziers in to make it more like the spectacle of past. Problem is that I’m having trouble remembering the year. I think either 1968 or 1969.
Sailing and racing that boat (and don’t ask me if I remember the number) in Newport bay was the highlight of my youth. My thanks to Chris Colby to teaching me the love of the sport.
This is a wonderful little boat. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of information about them here on the East Coast (around Chesapeake Bay). We own Snowbird #344 (1952?), and would appreciate information on the original owner(s). If I’m not mistaken, you can see #344 rounding a buoy in the 1954 “Flight”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU9XZmT2Ofc&feature=share
Where can I get construction plans for or buy a Snowbird?